Challenging repeat bid awaits Adamson

Reigning champion Adamson University faces strong opposition in its repeat bid in the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL).

Lady Baby Falcons head coach JP Yude admitted that winning back-to-back crowns in the grassroots volleyball tournament unfolding on 28 May at the La Salle Green Hills gym is easier said than done.

“It’s going to be a big test for us. The challenge for us is how to adjust in every situation and every game because we have new players, especially some of them are very young,” Yude said during the press launch of the league’s third season Friday at Shakey’s Malate.

Adamson led by high-scoring veteran Shaina Nitura completed a six-game sweep without dropping a single set last season to reign supreme in the league, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

Adamson is in Pool A of the Division 1 contest, featuring 20 schools from Metro Manila and other regions, alogside Lyceum of the Philippines University, Naga College Foundation, Emilio Aguinaldo College and University of Perpetual Help.

Pool B is composed of last year’s runner-up Bacolod Tay Tung, Bethel Academy, De La Salle-Lipa, Chiang Kai Shek College and Holy Rosary College while in Pool C are Kings’ Montessori High School, Arellano University, Corpus Christi School, inaugural champion California Academy and De La Salle-Zobel A.

Reigning UAAP titlist National University Nazareth School, Far Eastern University-Diliman, St. John’s Institute-Bacolod, University of the Philippines Integrated School and University of Santo Tomas are in Pool D of the league backed by Mikasa, Asics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo and Smart.

This edition will have a Division 2 tournament featuring 10 teams divided into two groups, as SGVIL attracted a record-setting 30 squads.

“This just signifies that through Shakey’s GVIL, we can raise awareness of the sport at the grassroots level. It has drawn interest not only from the kids but also from their parents and schools, which is why we’re expanding each year,” Dr. Ian Laurel, president of organizer Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. (ACES), said.